As a long-time Milwaukee resident, I’ve developed a bit of a soft spot for underrated cities. Sure, these so-called “second-tier cities” aren’t New York or San Francisco. But, that’s kind of the appeal.

Mid-size cities are approachable. In a short visit, you’re able to get a good sense of the local food scene, the people, and the culture. My favorite mid-size cities check all three boxes in a big way.

At the top of that list? Well, over the last few years, the answer has unanimously been Kansas City. As a travel planner and former Kansas City resident, I can confidently say that Kansas City is the perfect city for a weekend getaway.

Today, I’m sharing a quick local guide on how to spend a weekend in Kansas City. And as always, this guide is a largely diverse and locally-owned lineup.

Table of Contents:

Where is Kansas City
Getting to Kansas City
How Long to Spend in Kansas City
When to Visit Kansas City
Where to Stay in Kansas City
What to Do in Kansas City
Where to Shop in Kansas City
Where to Eat in Kansas City
Where to Try Kansas City BBQ
Where to Drink in Kansas City
Things to Keep in Mind

WHERE IS KANSAS CITY

To put it simply, the Kansas City metropolitan area spans across two states. If you’re on the Kansas side, you’re in Kansas City, Kansas (the area that locals call “KCK”). And if you’re on the Missouri side, you’re in Kansas City, Missouri (the area that locals call “KCMO”).

Kansas City, Missouri is where most, if not all, of the action takes place. Every recommendation in this local guide is based in Kansas City, Missouri.

GETTING TO KANSAS CITY

Planning to catch a flight? If so, you’ll be flying into Kansas City International Airport (MCI). The Kansas City International Airport is located about 15 to 20 miles from Downtown Kansas City.

You can definitely catch a rideshare from the airport, but renting a car will likely be your best bet. Many of the more popular neighborhoods are walkable, but overall, the Kansas City metropolitan area is spread out and has limited public transportation.

You can rely on rideshares to get you around Kansas City, but you may end up with a large bill.

HOW LONG TO SPEND IN KANSAS CITY

For the perfect weekend getaway, you’ll want to spend 3 days in Kansas City. A long weekend gives you the opportunity to hit all of the hotspots and even try a few types of Kansas City BBQ. (Because, under no circumstances, would I recommend having Kansas City BBQ more than once per day.)

Ultimately, if you have a solid plan, you could also cover a lot of ground in two full days. But, I recommend you spend 3 days in Kansas City.

WHEN TO VISIT KANSAS CITY

Kansas City is located in the middle of the United States, which means it experiences all four seasons. Kansas City really comes to life in summer and fall. But with summer, comes some serious humidity.

The best time to visit Kansas City is in early fall—the days are warm, the nights are cool, and hotel prices are lower than usual.

WHERE TO STAY IN KANSAS CITY

The best neighborhoods to stay in Kansas City are Downtown Kansas City, the Crossroads Art District, the Westside, and the Country Club Plaza. The first three neighborhoods—Downtown, Crossroads, and the Westside—are all in close proximity to each other. You’ll be close to the best restaurants and local shops.

The Country Club Plaza is another great neighborhood. While the area is about 10 minutes from Downtown, it’s home to Kansas City’s premier outdoor shopping center and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

Here are a few hotels you should consider:

Crossroads Hotel (located in the Crossroads Art District)
The Truitt (located near the Country Club Plaza)
21c Museum Hotel (located in Downtown Kansas City)

WHAT TO DO IN KANSAS CITY

Kansas City has something to offer just about everyone—so you’ll have no shortage of options. Whether you’re coming for the food, to shop the talented local makers, to take in some beautiful artwork, or to catch a game, Kansas City has got you covered.

Here are a few experiences you should have during your 3 days in Kansas City:

Take a tour of Boulevard Brewery, the largest specialty brewer in the Midwest. After your tour, head to the Beer Hall or Rec Deck for beer samples, games, and skyline views. You can get tickets to Boulevard Brewery here.
Visit the American Jazz Museum and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, located in the Historic 18th and Vine Jazz District. For $15, you’ll get access to both museums and a history lesson you won’t soon forget. Learn more about the American Jazz Museum here and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum here.
Explore the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, which has a collection of nearly 35,000 pieces from countries around the world. Admission is free. And if you’re visiting during warmer weather, make sure you check out the collection of badminton birdies on the lawn. Learn more about the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art here.

WHERE TO SHOP IN KANSAS CITY

Kansas City has a boatload of impressive local shops and talented local makers. These local shops are my go-to for souvenir shopping—whether I’m shopping for myself or someone else. I’ve added my favorites below, but you should know that this list of shops barely scratches the surface of what Kansas City has to offer.

Here are a few shops you should visit during your 3 days in Kansas City:

Head to the Country Club Plaza to visit Made in KC, a boutique gift shop that sources all of its products from local Kansas City vendors. Learn more about Made in KC here.
Do some shopping at The Black Pantry, a boutique general store that offers a curated selection of products from Black-owned businesses. Learn more about The Black Pantry here.
Find one-of-a-kind paper products at Hammerpress, a letterpress print shop and retail store located in the Crossroads neighborhood. Learn more about Hammerpress here.

Want an inside look? Join me as I check out Made in KC and The Black Pantry on my most recent visit to Kansas City:

WHERE TO EAT IN KANSAS CITY

Kansas City is a foodie hotspot—and I’m not just talking about the BBQ! If you’re planning a visit to Kansas City, make sure you come with a big appetite. From small family-owned restaurants to fine dining, Kansas City will not disappoint.

Here are a couple of restaurants you should consider for your 3 days in Kansas City:

Start your morning off with a smoothie from Ruby Jean’s, a Black-owned restaurant serving up delicious smoothies, juices, and shakes. Learn more about Ruby Jean’s here.
Grab lunch at Vietnam Cafe, a popular Vietnamese restaurant located near the River Market. Get yourself some Pho or, my personal favorite, the C1. Learn more about Vietnam Cafe here.
Make reservations for dinner at Corvino Supper Club & Tasting Room, a woman-owned restaurant that delivers big time flavor and ambiance. Think dim lighting, live music, and a phenomenal menu. Learn more about Corvino here.

WHERE TO TRY KANSAS CITY BBQ

It’s no secret that Kansas City is home to some of the best BBQ in the world. And if you’re planning to visit, you need to add at least one BBQ spot to your Kansas City itinerary. With over a hundred BBQ spots in the Kansas City metropolitan area, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with the sheer number of options.

To keep it simple, here is where to try Kansas City BBQ during your 3 day visit:

Plan a stop at Joe’s KC, a legendary BBQ establishment located inside a gas station. Be sure to put this spot at the top of your list. Don’t be surprised if the line spills out the door—it’s absolutely worth the wait. Learn more about Joe’s KC here.
If you’re up for more, head to Q39 in Midtown. Q39 has been around since 2014, but it’s definitely one of the new and more modern spots to grab BBQ in Kansas City (like, they even take reservations). Learn more about Q39 here.
If you want the original stuff, head to Arthur Bryant’s in the Historic 18th and Vine Jazz District. This no-frills BBQ restaurant is a Kansas City institution. Learn more about Arthur Bryant’s here.

WHERE TO DRINK IN KANSAS CITY

After all that good food, you’re bound to get a little thirsty. Whether you’re in search of a great cup of coffee or a craft beer, you can guarantee you’ll find it in Kansas City. I’ve added a few special spots to my list below—be sure to check them out on your next visit.

Here are a few places you should consider for your 3 days in Kansas City:

Grab a coffee at Ollama Coffee House, located near the Crossroads Art District. This Latinx-owned coffee shop has a great vibe and even better coffee. My go-to is the Cafe de Olla. Learn more about Ollama here.
Get even more caffeine at Cafe Cà Phê, a local coffee truck with a brick-and-mortar coming soon. This Vietnamese coffeeshop serves up a “Hella Good Latte” and a whole lot more. Learn more about Cafe Cà Phê here.
Try some craft brew at Brewery Emperial, located in the Crossroads Art District. You’ll get great beer, a solid food menu, and an awesome outdoor patio. Learn more about Brewery Emperial here.
Get your craft cocktail at the Hey! Hey! Club, located below the J. Rieger & Co distillery. The spot is dark and intimate, serving up those speakeasy vibes. Learn more about the Hey! Hey! Club here.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

Headed to Kansas City soon? Join us in our commitment to travel for the city. Do your research and commit to supporting local. Most importantly, don’t forget to spread the word about your favorite finds.

Your Connect,

Gabriella

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